BRITAIN’S premier cycling race will zoom through East Lothian at the beginning of September, with the details of the cyclists’ route now revealed.

The county will play a key role in the opening stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain, which sets off from St Giles Cathedral, on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, on September 3.

It is less than 75 days until the race gets under way, with the opening stage passing through the county en route to Kelso.

The first stage, which is contested over 188 kilometres, will see competitors pass through a number of towns and villages, including Musselburgh, Prestonpans and Longniddry.

Competitors will then head inland over the Garleton Hills and into Haddington.

Then it is on to Pencaitland and into Gifford, where the first of three intermediate Eisberg sprints will be contested Cyclists will then leave the county over the Lammermuir Hills and take on Redstone Rig, an eight-kilometre climb which was used the last time the Tour of Britain passed through the county in 2015.

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council spokesman for tourism and economic development, welcomed representatives of the tour to Haddington on Monday. He said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Tour of Britain is returning to East Lothian. This is a fantastic opportunity for cycling fans and local people to see some of the world’s best cyclists right on our doorstep and I am sure that people will turn out to cheer them on.

“They will be cycling along part of East Lothian’s beautiful coastline and through our wonderful countryside, and I hope it inspires cycling enthusiasts and visitors to explore the county for themselves.”

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “The iconic Royal Mile, East Lothian’s beautiful coastline and the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders will provide a spectacular backdrop for both spectators and riders alike.”